Sources for natural dyestuffs

The table below provides information about plants suitable for use as a dyestuff. The procedure for making the dyestuffs is as outlined in the activity notes, unless stated differently here.

In general, flowers and vegetables should be boiled for 15-45 mins. Leaves should be boiled for 30-120 mins (hard or tough leaves need the longer time and an overnight soaking prior to boiling) and chopped bark for 1-2 hours (after soaking for 3 days).

 

Dyestuff Colour Collection and preparation Soaking time Boiling time Strain Simmering time with fabric
Acorns Brown As they ripen. Use immediately for deepest colour. Overnight 1 hour Yes 1 hour
Avocado Cream
to
fawn		 2 skins will dye 25g of cloth. Cut the skins into small pieces. soak overnight 30 mins Boil for 30 mins Yes 45 mins
Blackberries Blue-grey Fresh ripe fruit. Use immediately or freeze till required. None 15 mins Yes 1 hour
Coffee Cream to brown Used filter coffee grains (or instant coffee) Overnight (though not essential) 30 mins Yes 45 mins
Daffodil Yellow Fresh heads just as they start to wilt None 20-30 mins Yes 45 mins
Dahlia Yellow or gold Pick flowers as they show signs of dying None 20 mins Yes 45 mins
Elder Yellow or green Leaves None 1 hour Yes 1 hour
Pinkish violet Berries None 30 mins Yes 45 mins
Honeysuckle Yellow Pick fresh shoots (not woody stems) in mid-May before flowers appear. None 30 mins Yes 45 mins
Stinging nettle Creamy to yellow Chop nettle plant into small pieces None 45 mins Yes 45 mins
Tea Brown/ orange Loose tea or teabags None 30 mins Yes 1 hour